Small steppers for weight bearing exercise?

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

My bone scan results are worse than expected. The doctor suggested 1+ hours a day at least 3x per week of bone building exercise, she suggested walking.

I enjoy walking but to be honest after working the last thing I want to do is go out and walk...and now it is dark pretty early. I am also tired...turned 70 this year and while I don't 'feel' my age I am tired in the evening.

Would a small stepper work as a substitute for walking outside? I do have a bike but that is not weight bearing. I really don't want to go the drug route unless absolutely necessary.

thanks

FranandZoe · ‎03-09-2010

How about a DVD for in home walking. Leslie Sansone has some good ones - her Miracle Mile Walk and Older Adults Walk and Firm are both good.

You might even find something on YouTube or even On Demand on your TV depending on your TV cable or streaming service.

Instead of a stepper which to start off might be too strenuous how about a treadmill. You could use it while you watch TV.

How about even walking on your lunch hour? You'd be amazed at how much walking just 15 minutes helps.

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
My bone scan results are worse than expected. The doctor suggested 1+ hours a day at least 3x per week of bone building exercise, she suggested walking.

I enjoy walking but to be honest after working the last thing I want to do is go out and walk...and now it is dark pretty early. I am also tired...turned 70 this year and while I don't 'feel' my age I am tired in the evening.

Would a small stepper work as a substitute for walking outside? I do have a bike but that is not weight bearing. I really don't want to go the drug route unless absolutely necessary.

thanks

I'm a little older than you. have a smaller sized treadmill that I use every day.

I also have a mini eliptical that is used while sitting. I didn't buy the expensive one seen on tv. It's easy to read, check emails, make calls or do whatever I need to do while using it. I've even dozed off while using it.

We have to find ways to keep healthy. I'd hate for you to fall, break a hip or something, and end up in a nursing home.

meem120 · ‎03-09-2010

I have a Cubii. I love it. I do 1hour a day most days of the week. I have Osteopenia. But all my scans have been stable for the last 6 years. I dont take any prescription meds, but I do take a calcium supplement.

jackthebear · ‎03-11-2010

start with the Leslie Sansone walking classes

you would be surprised at how good the work out is

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

@FranandZoe Yes, I could try the walking videos, I think I had one years ago, not sure what came of it.

I don't think the stepper would be to strenuous...I am used to doing most things around the house and outside. At work I lift heavy boxes when delivering...I understand this DOES NOT take the place of exercise but I do have the strength.

jellyBEAN · ‎04-03-2010

I have heard from many sources that wearing a weighted vest while walking increases the benefits of bone building.

If you were to wear a weighted vest perhaps you could walk for less time if time was an issue. I wish I could walk. I have a bad leg, so for me bike riding is my one form of exercise, it doesn't stress the bad leg as much as walking.

Flowers are nature's way of laughing

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

@CalminHeart I would love a treadmill but we bought a bike for my husband and his knees...there is no room for a treadmill and the other issue is getting it up stairs at this point in our life...I think a walking video might be the answer or at least help.

I broke my shoulder a couple of years ago....slipped on the ice, it was a hard fall - I could tell when I went down..I had leather boots on, low heel, but it was damp outside, it was a trex floor, not sure that made a difference or not.

I don't think the break was due to my bone health. Now I cannot lift much more than a 3 lb weight on that arm. The break healed nicely but the strength is not there...I know because I do on occasion use the small weights, with a bit of discomfort.

Do you think the elliptical helps with bone strength and encourages bone growth?

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

@meem120 The CUBI....can you stand and use it or is it strictly for sitting?

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
@CalminHeart I would love a treadmill but we bought a bike for my husband and his knees...there is no room for a treadmill and the other issue is getting it up stairs at this point in our life...I think a walking video might be the answer or at least help.

I broke my shoulder a couple of years ago....slipped on the ice, it was a hard fall - I could tell when I went down..I had leather boots on, low heel, but it was damp outside, it was a trex floor, not sure that made a difference or not.
I don't think the break was due to my bone health. Now I cannot lift much more than a 3 lb weight on that arm. The break healed nicely but the strength is not there...I know because I do on occasion use the small weights, with a bit of discomfort.

Do you think the elliptical helps with bone strength and encourages bone growth?

The elliptical I use while sitting, has made a difference in my leg strength. I can easily read for an hour while doing it at a fast speed. My hips and legs don't hurt after. My heart rate goes up a little and that's good too.

I wish I had room for a full sized elliptical. That was always my favorite choice other than weights and hard-core equipment. It's not as hard on the knees and arthritis as walking at a fairly decent speed.

About 16 years ago, I went through a fitness program at work. I lost 80 pounds and have managed to keep it off. I learned how to use a lot of equipment which I liked better than running and walking.

Running ruined my knees running though I enjoyed it while I could do it. Since then, both knees have been replaced and one ankle was rebuilt. My running days are long over.